Note: — Current as of: 12/12/2013, Updated monthly.— Enhanced with links to US Code, FR and CFR References where ever possible and more to come.— You can embed the URL to this page in your documents to access the current CFR part.

(a) This subpart supplements part 4279, subparts A and B, by providing additional requirements and instructions for servicing and liquidating all Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loans. This includes Drought and Disaster (D&D), Disaster Assistance for Rural Business Enterprises (DARBE), and Business and Industry Disaster (BID) loans.

(b) The lender will be responsible for servicing the entire loan and will remain mortgagee and secured party of record notwithstanding the fact that another party may hold a portion of the loan. The entire loan will be secured by the same security with equal lien priority for the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan. The unguaranteed portion of a loan will neither be paid first nor given any preference or priority over the guaranteed portion of the loan.

(c) Copies of all forms, regulations, and Instructions referenced in this subpart are available in any Agency office. Whenever a form is designated in this subpart, that designation includes predecessor and successor forms, if applicable, as specified by the field or National Office.

The lender is responsible for servicing the entire loan and for taking all servicing actions that a prudent lender would perform in servicing its own portfolio of loans that are not guaranteed. The Loan Note Guarantee is unenforceable by the lender to the extent any loss is occasioned by violation of usury laws, use of loan funds for unauthorized purposes, negligent servicing, or failure to obtain the required security interest regardless of the time at which the Agency acquires knowledge of the foregoing. This responsibility includes but is not limited to the collection of payments, obtaining compliance with the covenants and provisions in the Loan Agreement, obtaining and analyzing financial statements, checking on payment of taxes and insurance premiums, and maintaining liens on collateral.

(a) Lender reports and annual renewal fee. The lender must report the outstanding principal and interest balance on each guaranteed loan semiannually using a USDA-approved status report or other approved format. The lender will transmit the annual renewal fee to the Agency simultaneously with the December 31 semiannual status report in accordance with 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, §4279.107.

(b) Loan classification. Within 90 days of receipt of the Loan Note Guarantee, the lender must notify the Agency of the loan's classification or rating under its regulatory standards. Should the classification be changed at a future time, the Agency must be notified immediately.

(c) Agency and lender conference. At the Agency's request, the lender will meet with the Agency to ascertain how the guaranteed loan is being serviced and that the conditions and covenants of the Loan Agreement are being enforced.

(d) Financial reports. The lender must obtain and forward to the Agency the financial statements required by the Loan Agreement. The lender must submit annual financial statements to the Agency within 120 days of the end of the borrower's fiscal year. The lender must analyze the financial statements and provide the Agency with a written summary of the lender's analysis and conclusions, including trends, strengths, weaknesses, extraordinary transactions, and other indications of the financial condition of the borrower. Spreadsheets of the new financial statements must be included.

(e) Additional expenditures. The lender will not make additional loans to the borrower without first obtaining the prior written approval of the Agency, even though such loans will not be guaranteed.

(a) Reductions. The borrower, lender, and holder (if any) may collectively initiate a permanent or temporary reduction in the interest rate of the guaranteed loan at any time during the life of the loan upon written agreement among these parties. The Agency must be notified by the lender, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the change. If any of the guaranteed portion has been purchased by the Agency, then the Agency will affirm or reject interest rate change proposals in writing. The Agency will concur in such interest-rate changes only when it is demonstrated to the Agency that the change is a more viable alternative than initiating or proceeding with liquidation of the loan or continuing with the loan in its present state.

(1) Fixed rates can be changed to variable rates to reduce the borrower's interest rate only when the variable rate has a ceiling which is less than or equal to the original fixed rate.

(2) Variable rates can be changed to a fixed rate which is at or below the current variable rate.

(3) The interest rates, after adjustments, must comply with the requirements for interest rates on new loans as established by §4279.125 of subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter.

(4) The lender is responsible for the legal documentation of interest-rate changes by an endorsement or any other legally effective amendment to the promissory note; however, no new notes may be issued. Copies of all legal documents must be provided to the Agency.

(b) Increases. No increases in interest rates will be permitted except the normal fluctuations in approved variable interest rates unless a temporary interest-rate reduction had occurred.

(a) All releases of collateral with a value exceeding $100,000 must be supported by a current appraisal on the collateral released. The appraisal will be at the expense of the borrower and must meet the requirements of §4279.144 of subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter. The remaining collateral must be sufficient to provide for repayment of the Agency's guaranteed loan. The Agency may, at its discretion, require an appraisal of the remaining collateral in cases where it is determined that the Agency may be adversely affected by the release of collateral. Sale or release of collateral must be based on an arm's-length transaction.

(b) Within the parameters of paragraph (a) of this section, lenders may, over the life of the loan, release collateral (other than personal and corporate guarantees) with a cumulative value of up to 20 percent of the original loan amount without Agency concurrence if the proceeds generated are used to reduce the guaranteed loan or to buy replacement collateral.

(c) Within the parameters of paragraph (a) of this section, release of collateral with a cumulative value in excess of 20 percent of the original loan or when the proceeds will not be used to reduce the guaranteed loan or to buy replacement collateral must be requested in writing by the lender and concurred in by the Agency in writing in advance of the release. A written evaluation will be completed by the lender to justify the release.

A subordination of the lender's lien position must be requested in writing by the lender and concurred in by the Agency in writing in advance of the subordination. The subordination must enhance the borrower's business and the Agency's interest. After the subordination, collateral must be adequate to secure the loan. The lien to which the guaranteed loan is subordinated must be for a fixed dollar limit and fixed or limited term, after which the guaranteed loan lien priority will be restored. Subordination to a revolving line of credit will not exceed 1 year. There must be adequate consideration for the subordination.

(a) Documentation of request. All transfers and assumptions must be approved in writing by the Agency and must be to eligible applicants in accordance with subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter. An individual credit report must be provided for transferee proprietors, partners, officers, directors, and stockholders with 20 percent or more interest in the business, along with such other documentation as the Agency may request to determine eligibility.

(b) Terms. Loan terms must not be changed unless the change is approved in writing by the Agency with the concurrence of any holder and the transferor (including guarantors) if they have not been or will not be released from liability. Any new loan terms must be within the terms authorized by 4279.126 of subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter. The lender's request for approval of new loan terms will be supported by an explanation of the reasons for the proposed change in loan terms.

(c) Release of liability. The transferor, including any guarantor, may be released from liability only with prior Agency written concurrence and only when the value of the collateral being transferred is at least equal to the amount of the loan being assumed and is supported by a current appraisal and a current financial statement. The Agency will not pay for the appraisal. If the transfer is for less than the debt, the lender must demonstrate to the Agency that the transferor and guarantors have no reasonable debt-paying ability considering their assets and income in the foreseeable future.

(d) Proceeds. Any proceeds received from the sale of collateral before a transfer and assumption will be credited to the transferor's guaranteed loan debt in inverse order of maturity before the transfer and assumption are closed.

(e) Additional loans. Loans to provide additional funds in connection with a transfer and assumption must be considered as a new loan application under subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter.

(f) Credit quality. The lender must make a complete credit analysis which is subject to Agency review and approval.

(g) Documents. Prior to Agency approval, the lender must advise the Agency, in writing, that the transaction can be properly and legally transferred, and the conveyance instruments will be filed, registered, or recorded as appropriate.

(1) The assumption will be done on the lender's form of assumption agreement and will contain the Agency case number of the transferor and transferee. The lender will provide the Agency with a copy of the transfer and assumption agreement. The lender must ensure that all transfers and assumptions are noted on all original Loan Note Guarantees.

(2) A new Loan Agreement, consistent in principle with the original Loan Agreement, should be executed to establish the terms and conditions of the loan being assumed. An assumption agreement can be used to establish the loan covenants.

(3) The lender will provide to the Agency a written certification that the transfer and assumption is valid, enforceable, and complies with all Agency regulations.

(h) Loss resulting from transfer. If a loss should occur upon consummation of a complete transfer and assumption for less than the full amount of the debt and the transferor (including personal guarantors) is released from liability, the lender, if it holds the guaranteed portion, may file an estimated report of loss to recover its pro rata share of the actual loss. If a holder owns any of the guaranteed portion, such portion must be repurchased by the lender or the Agency in accordance with 4279.78(c) of subpart A of part 4279 of this chapter. In completing the report of loss, the amount of the debt assumed will be entered as net collateral (recovery). Approved protective advances and accrued interest thereon made during the arrangement of a transfer and assumption will be included in the calculations.

(i) Related party. If the transferor and transferee are affiliated or related parties, any transfer and assumption must be for the full amount of the debt.

(j) Payment requests. Requests for a loan guarantee to provide equity for a transfer and assumption must be considered as a new loan under subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter.

(k) Cash downpayment. When the transferee will be making a cash downpayment as part of the transfer and assumption:

(1) The lender must have an appropriate appraiser, acceptable to both the transferee and transferor and currently authorized to perform appraisals, determine the value of the collateral securing the loan. The appraisal fee and any other costs will not be paid by the Agency.

(2) The market value of the collateral, plus any additional property the transferee proposes to offer as collateral, must be adequate to secure the balance of the guaranteed loans.

(3) Cash downpayments may be paid directly to the transferor provided:

(i) The lender recommends that the cash be released, and the Agency concurs prior to the transaction being completed. The lender may wish to require that an amount be retained for a defined period of time as a reserve against future defaults. Interest on such account may be paid periodically to the transferor or transferee as agreed;

(ii) The lender determines that the transferee has the repayment ability to meet the obligations of the assumed guaranteed loan as well as any other indebtedness;

(iii) Any payments by the transferee to the transferor will not suspend the transferee's obligations to continue to meet the guaranteed loan payments as they come due under the terms of the assumption; and

(iv) The transferor agrees not to take any action against the transferee in connection with the assumption without prior written approval of the lender and the Agency.

After the issuance of a Loan Note Guarantee, the lender shall not sell or transfer the entire loan without the prior written approval of the Agency. The Agency will not pay any loss or share in any costs (i.e., appraisal fees, environmental studies, or other costs associated with servicing or liquidating the loan) with a new lender unless a relationship is established through a substitution of lender in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. This includes cases where the lender has failed and been taken over by a regulatory agency such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the loan is subsequently sold to another lender.

(a) The Agency may approve the substitution of a new lender if:

(1) The proposed substitute lender:

(i) Is an eligible lender in accordance with 4279.29 of subpart A of part 4279 of this chapter;

(ii) Is able to service the loan in accordance with the original loan documents; and

(iii) Agrees in writing to acquire title to the unguaranteed portion of the loan held by the original lender and assumes all original loan requirements, including liabilities and servicing responsibilities.

(2) The substitution of the lender is requested in writing by the borrower, the proposed substitute lender, and the original lender if still in existence.

(b) Where the lender has failed and been taken over by FDIC and the guaranteed loan is liquidated by FDIC rather than being sold to another lender, the Agency will pay losses and share in costs as if FDIC were an approved substitute lender.

(a) The lender must notify the Agency when a borrower is 30 days past due on a payment or is otherwise in default of the Loan Agreement. Form FmHA 1980-44, “Guaranteed Loan Borrower Default Status,” will be used and the lender will continue to submit this form bimonthly until such time as the loan is no longer in default. If a monetary default exceeds 60 days, the lender will arrange a meeting with the Agency and the borrower to resolve the problem.

(b) In considering options, the prospects for providing a permanent cure without adversely affecting the risk to the Agency and the lender is the paramount objective.

(1) Curative actions include but are not limited to:

(i) Deferment of principal (subject to rights of any holder);

(ii) An additional unguaranteed loan by the lender to bring the account current;

(iii) Reamortization of or rescheduling the payments on the loan (subject to rights of any holder);

(iv) Transfer and assumption of the loan in accordance with §4287.134 of this subpart;

(v) Reorganization;

(vi) Liquidation;

(vii) Subsequent loan guarantees; and

(viii) Changes in interest rates with the Agency's, the lender's, and holder's approval, provided that the interest rate is adjusted proportionately between the guaranteed and unguaranteed portion of the loan and the type of rate remains the same.

(2) In the event a deferment, rescheduling, reamortization, or moratorium is accomplished, it will be limited to the remaining life of the collateral or remaining limits as contained in §4279.126 of subpart B of part 4279 of this chapter, whichever is less.

Protective advances are advances made by the lender for the purpose of preserving and protecting the collateral where the debtor has failed to, will not, or cannot meet its obligations. Sound judgment must be exercised in determining that the protective advance preserves collateral and recovery is actually enhanced by making the advance. Protective advances will not be made in lieu of additional loans.

(a) The maximum loss to be paid by the Agency will never exceed the original principal plus accrued interest regardless of any protective advances made.

(b) Protective advances and interest thereon at the note rate will be guaranteed at the same percentage of loss as provided in the Loan Note Guarantee.

(c) Protective advances must constitute an indebtedness of the borrower to the lender and be secured by the security instruments. Agency written authorization is required when cumulative protective advances exceed $5,000.

In the event of one or more incidents of default or third party actions that the borrower cannot or will not cure or eliminate within a reasonable period of time, liquidation may be considered. If the lender concludes that liquidation is necessary, it must request the Agency's concurrence. The lender will liquidate the loan unless the Agency, at its option, carries out liquidation. When the decision to liquidate is made, if the loan has not already been repurchased, provisions will be made for repurchase in accordance with §4279.78 of subpart A of part 4279 of this chapter.

(a) Decision to liquidate. A decision to liquidate shall be made when it is determined that the default cannot be cured through actions contained in §4287.145 of this subpart or it has been determined that it is in the best interest of the Agency and the lender to liquidate. The decision to liquidate or continue with the borrower must be made as soon as possible when any of the following exist:

(1) A loan has been delinquent 90 days and the lender and borrower have not been able to cure the delinquency through one of the actions contained in §4287.145 of this subpart.

(2) It has been determined that delaying liquidation will jeopardize full recovery on the loan.

(3) The borrower or lender has been uncooperative in resolving the problem and the Agency or the lender has reason to believe the borrower is not acting in good faith, and it would enhance the position of the guarantee to liquidate immediately.

(b) Liquidation by the Agency. The Agency may require the lender to assign the security instruments to the Agency if the Agency, at its option, decides to liquidate the loan. When the Agency liquidates, reasonable liquidation expenses will be assessed against the proceeds derived from the sale of the collateral. Form FmHA 1980-45, “Notice of Liquidation Responsibility,” will be forwarded to the Finance Office when the Agency liquidates the loan.

(c) Submission of liquidation plan. The lender will, within 30 days after a decision to liquidate, submit to the Agency in writing its proposed detailed method of liquidation. Upon approval by the Agency of the liquidation plan, the lender will commence liquidation.

(d) Lender's liquidation plan. The liquidation plan must include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Such proof as the Agency requires to establish the lender's ownership of the guaranteed loan promissory note and related security instruments and a copy of the payment ledger if available which reflects the current loan balance and accrued interest to date and the method of computing the interest.

(2) A full and complete list of all collateral including any personal and corporate guarantees.

(3) The recommended liquidation methods for making the maximum collection possible on the indebtedness and the justification for such methods, including recommended action:

(i) For acquiring and disposing of all collateral; and

(ii) To collect from guarantors.

(4) Necessary steps for preservation of the collateral.

(5) Copies of the borrower's latest available financial statements.

(6) Copies of the guarantor's latest available financial statements.

(7) An itemized list of estimated liquidation expenses expected to be incurred along with justification for each expense.

(8) A schedule to periodically report to the Agency on the progress of liquidation.

(9) Estimated protective advance amounts with justification.

(10) Proposed protective bid amounts on collateral to be sold at auction and a breakdown to show how the amounts were determined.

(11) If a voluntary conveyance is considered, the proposed amount to be credited to the guaranteed debt.

(12) Legal opinions, if needed.

(13) If the outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest is less than $200,000, the lender will obtain an estimate of fair market and potential liquidation value of the collateral. If the outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest is $200,000 or more, the lender will obtain an independent appraisal report meeting the requirements of §4279.144 of subpartB of part 4279 of this chapter on all collateral securing the loan which will reflect the fair market value and potential liquidation value. In order to formulate a liquidation plan which maximizes recovery, collateral must be evaluated for the release of hazardous substances, petroleum products, or other environmental hazards which may adversely impact the market value of the collateral. The appraisal shall consider this aspect. The independent appraiser's fee, including the cost of the environmental site assessment, will be shared equally by the Agency and the lender.

(e) Approval of liquidation plan. The Agency will inform the lender in writing whether it concurs in the lender's liquidation plan. Should the Agency and the lender not agree on the liquidation plan, negotiations will take place between the Agency and the lender to resolve the disagreement. When the liquidation plan is approved by the Agency, the lender will proceed expeditiously with liquidation.

(1) A transfer and assumption of the borrower's operation can be accomplished before or after the loan goes into liquidation. However, if the collateral has been purchased through foreclosure or the borrower has conveyed title to the lender, no transfer and assumption is permitted.

(2) A protective bid may be made by the lender, with prior Agency written approval, at a foreclosure sale to protect the lender's and the Agency's interest. The protective bid will not exceed the amount of the loan, including expenses of foreclosure, and should be based on the liquidation value considering estimated expenses for holding and reselling the property. These expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses for resale, interest accrual, length of time necessary for resale, maintenance, guard service, weatherization, and prior liens.

(f) Acceleration. The lender, or the Agency if it liquidates, will proceed to accelerate the indebtedness as expeditiously as possible when acceleration is necessary including giving any notices and taking any other legal actions required. A copy of the acceleration notice or other acceleration document will be sent to the Agency (or lender if the Agency liquidates). The guaranteed loan will be considered in liquidation once the loan has been accelerated and a demand for payment has been made upon the borrower.

(g) Filing an estimated loss claim. When the lender is conducting the liquidation and owns any or all of the guaranteed portion of the loan, the lender will file an estimated loss claim once a decision has been made to liquidate if the liquidation will exceed 90 days. The estimated loss payment will be based on the liquidation value of the collateral. For the purpose of reporting and loss claim computation, the lender will discontinue interest accrual on the defaulted loan in accordance with Agency procedures, and the loss claim will be promptly processed in accordance with applicable Agency regulations.

(h) Accounting and reports. When the lender conducts liquidation, it will account for funds during the period of liquidation and will provide the Agency with reports at least quarterly on the progress of liquidation including disposition of collateral, resulting costs, and additional procedures necessary for successful completion of the liquidation.

(i) Transmitting payments and proceeds to the Agency. When the Agency is the holder of a portion of the guaranteed loan, the lender will transmit to the Agency its pro rata share of any payments received from the borrower; liquidation; or other proceeds using Form FmHA 1980-43, “Lender's Guaranteed Loan Payment to FmHA.”

(j) Abandonment of collateral. There may be instances when the cost of liquidation would exceed the potential recovery value of the collection. The lender, with proper documentation and concurrence of the Agency, may abandon the collateral in lieu of liquidation. A proposed abandonment will be considered a servicing action requiring the appropriate environmental review by the Agency in accordance with subpart G of part 1940 of this title. Examples where abandonment may be considered include, but are not limited to:

(1) The cost of liquidation is increased or the value of the collateral is decreased by environmental issues;

(2) The collateral is functionally or economically obsolete;

(3) There are superior liens held by other parties in excess of the value of the collateral;

(4) The collateral has deteriorated; or

(5) The collateral is specialized and there is little or no demand for it.

(k) Disposition of personal or corporate guarantees. The lender should take action to maximize recovery from all collateral, including personal and corporate guarantees. The lender will seek a deficiency judgment when there is a reasonable chance of future collection of the judgment. The lender must make a decision whether or not to seek a deficiency judgment when:

(1) A borrower voluntarily liquidates the collateral, but the sale fails to pay the guaranteed indebtedness;

(2) The collateral is voluntarily conveyed to the lender, but the borrower and personal and corporate guarantors are not released from liability; or

(3) A liquidation plan is being developed for forced liquidation.

(l) Compromise settlement. A compromise settlement may be considered at any time.

(1) The lender and the Agency must receive complete financial information on all parties obligated for the loan and must be satisfied that the statements reflect the true and correct financial position of the debtor including all assets. Adequate consideration must be received before a release from liability is issued. Adequate consideration includes money, additional security, or other benefit to the goals and objectives of the Agency.

(2) Before a personal guarantor can be released from liability, the following factors must be considered.

(i) Cash, either lump sum or over a period of time, or other consideration offered by the guarantor;

(ii) Age and health of the guarantor;

(iii) Potential income of the guarantor;

(iv) Inheritance prospects of the guarantor;

(v) Availability of the guarantor's assets.

(vi) Possibility that the guarantor's assets have been concealed or improperly transferred; and

(vii) Effect of other guarantors on the loan.

(3) Once the Agency and the lender agree on a reasonable amount that is fair and adequate, the lender can proceed to effect the settlement compromise.

(4) A compromise will only be accepted if it is in the best interest of the Agency.

In all liquidation cases, final settlement will be made with the lender after the collateral is liquidated, unless otherwise designated as a future recovery or after settlement and compromise of all parties has been completed. The Agency will have the right to recover losses paid under the guarantee from any party which may be liable.

(a) Report of loss form. Form FmHA 449-30, “Loan Note Guarantee Report of Loss,” will be used for calculations of all estimated and final loss determinations. Estimated loss payments may only be approved by the Agency after the Agency has approved a liquidation plan.

(b) Estimated loss. In accordance with the requirements of §4287.157(g) of this subpart, an estimated loss claim based on liquidation appraisal value will be prepared and submitted by the lender.

(1) The estimated loss payment shall be applied as of the date of such payment. The total amount of the loss payment remitted by the Agency will be applied by the lender on the guaranteed portion of the loan debt. Such application does not release the borrower from liability.

(2) An estimated loss will be applied first to reduce the principal balance on the guaranteed loan and the balance, if any, to accrued interest. Interest accrual on the defaulted loan will be discontinued.

(3) A protective advance claim will be paid only at the time of the final report of loss payment, except in certain transfer and assumption situations as specified in §4287.134 of this subpart.

(c) Final loss. Within 30 days after liquidation of all collateral, except for certain unsecured personal or corporate guarantees as provided for in this section, is completed, a final report of loss must be prepared and submitted by the lender to the Agency. The Agency will not guarantee interest beyond this 30-day period other than for the period of time it takes the Agency to process the loss claim. Before approval by the Agency of any final loss report, the lender must account for all funds during the period of liquidation, disposition of the collateral, all costs incurred, and any other information necessary for the successful completion of liquidation. Upon receipt of the final accounting and report of loss, the Agency may audit all applicable documentation to determine the final loss. The lender will make its records available and otherwise assist the Agency in making any investigation. The documentation accompanying the report of loss must support the amounts shown on Form FmHA 449-30.

(1) A determination must be made regarding the collectibility of unsecured personal and corporate guarantees. If reasonably possible, such guarantees should be promptly collected or otherwise disposed of in accordance with §4287.157(k) of this subpart prior to completion of the final loss report. However, in the event that collection from the guarantors appears unlikely or will require a prolonged period of time, the report of loss will be filed when all other collateral has been liquidated, and unsecured personal or corporate guarantees will be treated as a future recovery with the net proceeds to be shared on a pro rata basis by the lender and the Agency.

(2) The lender must document that all of the collateral has been accounted for and properly liquidated and that liquidation proceeds have been properly accounted for and applied correctly to the loan.

(3) The lender will show a breakdown of any protective advance amount as to the payee, purpose of the expenditure, date paid, and evidence that the amount expended was proper and that payment was actually made.

(4) The lender will show a breakdown of liquidation expenses as to the payee, purpose of the expenditure, date paid, and evidence that the amount expended was proper and that payment was actually made. Liquidation expenses are recoverable only from collateral proceeds. Attorney fees may be approved as liquidation expenses provided the fees are reasonable and cover legal issues pertaining to the liquidation that could not be properly handled by the lender and its in-house counsel.

(5) Accrued interest will be supported by documentation as to how the amount was accrued. If the interest rate was a variable rate, the lender will include documentation of changes in both the selected base rate and the loan rate.

(6) Loss payments will be paid by the Agency within 60 days after the review of the final loss report and accounting of the collateral.

(d) Loss limit. The amount payable by the Agency to the lender cannot exceed the limits set forth in the Loan Note Guarantee.

(e) Rent. Any net rental or other income that has been received by the lender from the collateral will be applied on the guaranteed loan debt.

(f) Liquidation costs. Liquidation costs will be deducted from the proceeds of the disposition of primary collateral. If changed circumstances after submission of the liquidation plan require a substantial revision of liquidation costs, the lender will procure the Agency's written concurrence prior to proceeding with the proposed changes. No in-house expenses of the lender will be allowed. In-house expenses include, but are not limited to, employee's salaries, staff lawyers, travel, and overhead.

(g) Payment. When the Agency finds the final report of loss to be proper in all respects, it will approve Form FmHA 449-30 and proceed as follows:

(1) If the loss is greater than any estimated loss payment, the Agency will pay the additional amount owed by the Agency to the lender.

(2) If the loss is less than the estimated loss payment, the lender will reimburse the Agency for the overpayment plus interest at the note rate from the date of payment.

(3) If the Agency has conducted the liquidation, it will pay the lender in accordance with the Loan Note Guarantee.

After a loan has been liquidated and a final loss has been paid by the Agency, any future funds which may be recovered by the lender will be pro rated between the Agency and the lender based on the original percentage of guarantee.

The lender is responsible for protecting the guaranteed loan and all collateral securing the loan in bankruptcy proceedings.

(a) Lender's responsibilities. It is the lender's responsibility to protect the guaranteed loan debt and all of the collateral securing it in bankruptcy proceedings. These responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

(1) The lender will file a proof of claim where necessary and all the necessary papers and pleadings concerning the case.

(2) The lender will attend and, where necessary, participate in meetings of the creditors and all court proceedings.

(3) When permitted by the Bankruptcy Code, the lender will request modification of any plan of reorganization whenever it appears that additional recoveries are likely.

(4) The Agency will be kept adequately and regularly informed in writing of all aspects of the proceedings.

(5) In a Chapter 11 reorganization, if an independent appraisal of collateral is necessary in the Agency's opinion, the Agency and the lender will share such appraisal fee equally.

(b) Reports of loss during bankruptcy. When the loan is involved in reorganization proceedings, payment of loss claims may be made as provided in this section. For a liquidation proceeding, only paragraphs (b)(3) and (5) of this section are applicable.

(1) Estimated loss payments. (i) If a borrower has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Code for a reorganization (but not Chapter 13) and all or a portion of the debt has been discharged, the lender will request an estimated loss payment of the guaranteed portion of the accrued interest and principal discharged by the court. Only one estimated loss payment is allowed during the reorganization. All subsequent claims of the lender during reorganization will be considered revisions to the initial estimated loss. A revised estimated loss payment may be processed by the Agency, at its option, in accordance with any court-approved changes in the reorganization plan. Once the reorganization plan has been completed, the lender is responsible for submitting the documentation necessary for the Agency to review and adjust the estimated loss claim to reflect any actual discharge of principal and interest and to reimburse the lender for any court-ordered interest-rate reduction under the terms of the reorganization plan.

(ii) The lender will use Form FmHA 449-30 to request an estimated loss payment and to revise any estimated loss payments during the course of the reorganization plan. The estimated loss claim, as well as any revisions to this claim, will be accompanied by documentation to support the claim.

(iii) Upon completion of a reorganization plan, the lender will complete a Form FmHA 1980-44 and forward this form to the Finance Office.

(2) Interest loss payments. (i) Interest losses sustained during the period of the reorganization plan will be processed in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(ii) Interest losses sustained after the reorganization plan is completed will be processed annually when the lender sustains a loss as a result of a permanent interest rate reduction which extends beyond the period of the reorganization plan.

(iii) If an estimated loss claim is paid during the operation of the Chapter 11 reorganization plan and the borrower repays in full the remaining balance without an additional loss sustained by the lender, a final report of loss is not necessary.

(3) Final loss payments. Final loss payments will be processed when the loan is liquidated.

(4) Payment application. The lender must apply estimated loss payments first to the unsecured principal of the guaranteed portion of the debt and then to the unsecured interest of the guaranteed portion of the debt. In the event a bankruptcy court attempts to direct the payments to be applied in a different manner, the lender will immediately notify the Agency servicing office.

(5) Overpayments. Upon completion of the reorganization plan, the lender will provide the Agency with the documentation necessary to determine whether the estimated loss paid equals the actual loss sustained. If the actual loss sustained as a result of the reorganization is less than the estimated loss, the lender will reimburse the Agency for the overpayment plus interest at the note rate from the date of payment of the estimated loss. If the actual loss is greater than the estimated loss payment, the lender will submit a revised estimated loss in order to obtain payment of the additional amount owed by the Agency to the lender.

(6) Protective advances. If approved protective advances were made prior to the borrower having filed bankruptcy, these protective advances and accrued interest will be considered in the loss calculations.

(c) Legal expenses during bankruptcy proceedings. (1) When a bankruptcy proceeding results in a liquidation of the borrower by a trustee, legal expenses will be handled as directed by the court.

(2) Chapter 11 pertains to a reorganization of a business contemplating an ongoing business rather than a termination and dissolution of the business where legal protection is afforded to the business as defined under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Consequently, expenses incurred by the lender in a Chapter 11 reorganization can never be liquidation expenses unless the proceeding becomes a Chapter 11 liquidation. If the proceeding should become a Liquidating 11, reasonable and customary liquidation expenses may be deducted from proceeds of collateral as provided in the Lender's Agreement. Chapter 7 pertains to a liquidation of the borrower's assets. If, and when, liquidation of the borrower's assets under Chapter 7 is conducted by the bankruptcy trustee, then the lender cannot claim expenses.

(c) Upon written notice from the lender to the Agency that the guarantee will terminate 30 days after the date of notice, provided that the lender holds all of the guaranteed portion and the Loan Note Guarantee is returned to the Agency to be canceled.

The information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0168. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to vary from 15 minutes to 8 hours per response, with an average of 4 hours per response, including time for reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden, estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, OIRM, Stop 7630, Washington, DC 20250. You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

(a) This subpart supplements 7 CFR part 4279, subparts A and C, by providing additional requirements and instructions for servicing and liquidating all Biorefinery Assistance Guaranteed Loans.

(b) The lender will be responsible for servicing the entire loan and will remain mortgagee and secured party of record notwithstanding the fact that another party may hold a portion of the loan. The entire loan will be secured by the same security with equal lien priority for the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan. The unguaranteed portion of a loan will neither be paid first nor given any preference or priority over the guaranteed portion of the loan.

(c) Copies of all forms, regulations, and Instructions referenced in this subpart are available in any Agency office. Whenever a form is designated in this subpart, that designation includes predecessor and successor forms, if applicable, as specified by the field or National Office.

The exception authority provisions of this paragraph apply to this subpart instead of those in §4279.15 of subpart A of part 4279 of this chapter. The Administrator may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture, make an exception, on a case-by-case basis, to any requirement or provision of this subpart that is not inconsistent with any authorizing statute or applicable law, if the Administrator determines that application of the requirement or provision would adversely affect the Federal government's interest.

Except as specified in paragraphs (a) through (m) of this section, all loans guaranteed under this subpart shall comply with the provisions found in §§4287.101 through 4287.180 of this chapter. If the Agency determines that the lender is not in compliance with its servicing responsibilities, the Agency reserves the right to take any action the Agency determines necessary to protect the Agency's interests with respect to the loan. If the Agency exercises this right, the lender must cooperate with the Agency. Any cost to the Agency associated with such action will be assessed against the lender.

(a) Periodic reports. Each lender shall submit quarterly reports, unless more frequent ones are needed as determined by the Agency to meet the financial interests of the United States, regarding the condition of its Agency guaranteed loan portfolio (including borrower status and loan classification) and any material adverse change in the general financial condition of the borrower since the last report was submitted.

(b) Default reports. Lenders shall submit monthly default reports, including borrower payment history, for each loan in monetary default using a form approved by the Agency.

(1) The financial reports required under §4287.107(d) may be specified in either the loan agreement or the Conditional Commitment;

(2) The lender must submit to the Agency quarterly financial statements within 45 days of the end of each quarter; and

(3) The annual financial statements required under §4287.107(d) must be audited financial statements and must be submitted within 180 days.

(d) Additional loans. Instead of complying with the additional expenditures provisions specified in §4287.107(e), the lender may make additional expenditures or new loans to a borrower with an outstanding loan guaranteed only with prior written Agency approval. The Agency will only approve additional expenditures or new loans where the expenditure or loan will not violate one or more of the loan covenants of the borrower's loan agreement. In all instances, the lender must notify the Agency when they make any additional expenditures or new loans. Any additional expenditure or loan made by the lender must be junior in priority to the loan guaranteed under 7 CFR part 4279 except for working capital loans for which the Agency may consider a subordinate lien provided it is consistent with the conditional provisions specified in §4279.202(i)(1).

(f) Collateral inspection and release. In lieu of complying with §4287.113, lenders must comply with the provisions of this paragraph. The lender must inspect the collateral as often as necessary to properly service the loan. The Agency must give prior approval for the release of collateral, except as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section or where the release of collateral is made under the abundance of collateral provision of the applicable security agreement, subject to the provisions of paragraph (f)(3) of this section. Appraisals on the collateral being released are required on all transactions exceeding $250,000 and will be at the expense of the borrower. The appraisal must meet the requirements of §4279.244. The sale or release of collateral must be based on an arm's length transaction, unless otherwise approved by the Agency in writing.

(1) Lenders may, over the life of the guaranteed loan, release collateral with a cumulative value of up to 20 percent of the original loan amount without Agency concurrence (subject to the provisions of paragraph (f)(3) of this section) if the proceeds generated are used to pay down secured debt in order of lien priority or to buy replacement collateral.

(2) Release of collateral with a cumulative value in excess of 20 percent of the original loan or when the proceeds will not be used to pay down secured debt in order of lien priority or to buy replacement collateral, must be requested, in writing, by the lender and concurred by the Agency, in writing, in advance of the release. A written evaluation will be completed by the lender to justify the release.

(3) Lenders may not release collateral with a value of more than 10 percent of the original loan amount at any one time and within any one calendar year without Agency concurrence.

(4) Any release of collateral must not adversely affect the project's operation or financial condition.

(g) Subordination of lien position. In addition to complying with the provisions found in §4287.123, a subordination must not extend the term of the guaranteed loan.

(h) Transfers and assumptions. Transfers and assumptions shall comply with §4287.134, except as specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this section, and with paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5) of this section.

(1) In complying with §4287.134(a), eligible applicants shall be determined in accordance with subpart C of part 4279 of this chapter instead of subpart B of part 4279.

(2) Any new loan terms under §4287.134(b) must be within the terms authorized by §4279.232 of subpart C of part 4279 of this chapter instead of §4279.126 of subpart B of part 4279.

(3) Additional loans under §4287.134(e) will be considered as a new loan application under subpart C of part 4279 of this chapter instead of subpart B of part 4279.

(4) The Agency may charge the lender a nonrefundable transfer fee at the time of a transfer application. The Agency will set the amount of the transfer fee in an annual notice of funds availability published in the Federal Register.

(5) Assumption shall be deemed to occur in the event of a change in the control of the borrower. For purposes of the loan, change of control means the merger of the borrower, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the borrower, or the sale of more than 25 percent of the stock or other equity interest of either the borrower or its corporate parent.

(6) The Agency will not approve any change in terms that results in an increase in the cost of the loan guarantee, unless the Agency can secure any additional budget authority that would be required and the change otherwise conforms with applicable regulations.

(i) Substitution of lender after issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee. All substitutions of lenders must comply with §4287.135 except that, instead of approving a new lender as a substitute lender using the provisions of §4287.135(a), the Agency may approve the substitution of a new lender if the proposed substitute lender:

(1) Is an eligible lender in accordance with §4279.202(b);

(2) Is able to service the loan in accordance with the original loan documents; and

(3) Acquires title to the unguaranteed portion of the loan held by the original lender and assumes all original loan requirements, including liabilities and servicing responsibilities.

(j) Default by borrower. The provisions of §4287.145 apply to this subpart, except that:

(1) Instead of complying with §4287.145(b)(2), in the event a deferment, rescheduling, reamortization, or moratorium is accomplished, it will be limited to the remaining life of the collateral or remaining limits as contained in §4279.232(a) of part 4279 of this chapter; and

(2) If a loan goes into default, the lender must provide the notification required under §4287.145(a) to the Agency within 15 calendar days of when a borrower is 30 days past due on a payment or is otherwise in default of the Loan Agreement.

(k) Protective advances. All protective advances made by the lender must comply with §4287.156 and the provisions of paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this section.

(1) Instead of the $5,000 specified in §4287.156(c), the Agency's written authorization is required when cumulative protective advances exceed $100,000, unless otherwise specified by the Agency at a lesser amount.

(2) The lender must obtain written Agency approval for any protective advance that will singularly or cumulatively amount to more than $100,000 or 10 percent of the guaranteed loan, whichever is less.

(l) Liquidation. Liquidations shall comply with §4287.157, except that, in complying with §4287.157(d)(13), lenders are to obtain an independent appraisal report meeting the requirements of §4279.244, instead of §4279.144, when the outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest is $200,000 or more.

(m) Determination of loss and payment. In addition to complying with §4287.158, if a lender receives a final loss payment, the lender must submit to the Agency an annual report on its collection activities for each unsatisfied account for 3 years following payment of the final loss claim.

Any loan guarantee application that has been submitted to the Agency under this program prior to March 16, 2011 may submit to the Agency a written request for an irrevocable election to have the guaranteed loan serviced in accordance with this subpart. Such an election must be made by October 1, 2011.

Disclaimer: This content has been enhanced for improved usability, user is solely responsible for accessing and use of the content provided on this page. To read the original content published by the government, please check with GPO.* Based on consolidated data.